The Best Time and Place to See the Northern Lights in Norway

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most breathtaking wonders — glowing curtains of green, pink, and violet light dancing across the Arctic sky. In Norway, this magical phenomenon can be seen in some of the most beautiful natural settings on Earth.

What Causes the Northern Lights?

The aurora is created when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. These collisions release energy as light, producing glowing patterns that move and shift — like waves of color rippling across the night sky.

The aurora appears around 100 kilometers above Earth, far beyond the clouds, which means that as long as the sky is dark and clear, you have a chance to see it.

Where to See the Northern Lights in Norway

The best places to see the aurora are inside the Auroral Oval, a belt around the magnetic North Pole. Northern Norway lies directly beneath this zone, making it one of the most reliable places in the world to experience the lights.

Some top locations include:

Tromsø – The “Gateway to the Arctic,” famous for consistent aurora sightings

When Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights season runs from late September to late March, when nights are longest. Statistically, March and September/October offer the highest levels of activity.

For the best chance to spot them:

🌙 Time: Aurora activity is highest from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., though the lights may be visible whenever the sky is dark.

❄️ Conditions: Clear, dark skies away from artificial light

Cold weather can help since it often brings clear skies, but the aurora depends on solar activity, not temperature.

The Colors of the Aurora Explained

Different gases produce different colors when struck by solar particles:

🟩 Green: Oxygen at lower altitudes (most common)

🔴 Red: Oxygen higher in the atmosphere

🟪 Blue/Purple: Nitrogen

Every display is unique — sometimes faint and subtle, other times bright enough to illuminate the snow below.

Aurora Legends and Sami Culture

Long before science explained the aurora, the phenomenon inspired myths and legends.
In Sami tradition, the lights are known as Guovssahas — “the light that can be heard.”
Vikings believed they were reflections of the Valkyries’ armor as they led fallen warriors to Valhalla.

Today, many locals affectionately call them “the Green Lady”, a symbol of beauty and mystery.

Why 2024–2026 Is the Best Time to Visit

We’re now entering a solar maximum — a period of peak solar activity that happens every 11 years.
Between 2024 and 2026, aurora displays are expected to be brighter and more frequent than they’ve been in over a decade.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, this is your moment.

Make the Most of Your Northern Lights Trip

While you wait for the aurora, there’s plenty to do in Northern Norway:

🛷 Go dog sledding through Arctic wilderness

🦌 Experience Sami culture and reindeer herding

📸 Join a guided aurora photography tour

Tip: Local guides track weather and solar activity to maximize your chance of a sighting — and help you capture the perfect photo!

Plan Your Adventure

The Northern Lights are never guaranteed, but when they appear, they’re unforgettable.
From Tromsø’s Arctic nightlife to Lofoten’s peaceful fishing villages, Northern Norway offers the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and natural wonder.

✨ Ready to chase the Aurora Borealis?
Start planning your trip now — the Arctic sky is waiting.

Top places to see the lights

Gutta på skauen i Tromsdalen.

It’s just a short walk (1,7km) from the the end of the road Turistvegen to Gutta pa Skauen a traditional wooden lavvu (Sami tent), beautifully situated in nature with minimal light pollution — a perfect spot to watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky.

The lavvu is open for free use most of the year, as long as it’s not already occupied.

Fjellheisen Cable Car
Take the cable car up the mountain for a breathtaking panoramic view of Tromsø and the surrounding islands and fjords. On clear nights, you may even see the Northern Lights dancing above the city.

For a more peaceful and secluded experience, hike up to Mount Fløya via the Sherpa Steps, where you can escape the city lights and enjoy an even clearer view of the Arctic sky.

Ersfjordbotn – A Perfect Northern Lights Spot
Just a 30-minute drive from Tromsø, Ersfjordbotn is a small fjord village surrounded by dramatic mountains and wide-open skies. Its minimal light pollution and stunning natural scenery make it one of the best places to watch the Northern Lights near Tromsø.

Kattfjordeidet – A Quiet Northern Lights Hideaway
Located about 35 minutes by car from Tromsø city centre, Kattfjordeidet is a peaceful mountain valley surrounded by dramatic peaks and untouched Arctic nature. With no light pollution and wide, open views, it’s an ideal spot to wait for the Northern Lights in complete tranquility.

Grøtfjorden – A Scenic Coastal Spot for Northern Lights Photography
About 45 minutes by car from Tromsø city centre, Grøtfjorden is a picturesque coastal area surrounded by majestic mountains and open sea views. The drive itself is stunning, with several beautiful viewpoints along the way that are perfect for Northern Lights watching.

From the Grøtfjorden beach, you can capture breathtaking photos of the aurora dancing over the ocean, with small islands scattered in the background. For a different perspective, continue deeper into the fjord to photograph the Northern Lights framed by steep mountain peaks.

Just a short drive further west lies Tromvik, another excellent area for aurora photography, offering quiet spots and panoramic Arctic landscapes.

Sommarøy – Northern Lights by the Sea
About one hour’s drive from Tromsø, Sommarøy is a picturesque coastal village known for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and stunning island views. The drive itself is a scenic experience, passing rugged mountains and fjords that offer several great spots to stop and watch the Northern Lights along the way.

Once you reach Sommarøy, you can photograph the aurora from the beach, with the open sea and scattered islands creating a truly breathtaking backdrop. With minimal light pollution and panoramic ocean views, Sommarøy is one of the most beautiful and serene places to experience the Northern Lights near Tromsø.

Other places

If Tromsø’s skies are cloudy, heading inland toward Finland can be a good alternative. The drive to Kilpisjärvi, through the Lyngen Alps, often leads to clearer skies. You can also sometimes travel toward Bardu or Målselv in inner Troms to catch the Northern Lights. Check the weather forecast on the YR.no app before you go. Be prepared for colder temperatures and winding roads, and always prioritize safety.

Ready to experience the magic of the Northern Lights?
Stay with us at Aurora Apartments, perfectly located for aurora viewing in Northern Norway. Enjoy cozy comfort, beautiful surroundings, and easy access to the best Northern Lights spots around Tromsø.

➡️ Check availability and book your stay here